Wave shots ...

I have these four shots (out of hundreds i took) that I like the most.

They are very processed, I am not looking for critique so much as preferences.

I like the images, but i only really want one print for the house .. rather than all 4 as a series.

So feel free to talk about what you think of the images, I won't take offence to anything negative. But please also include an order of preference for me .. so I can see what other people like also as I have looked at them so long now I am finding it hard to differentiate.

1.

2.

3.

4.

For anyone interested these photos are from September 11th 2004 the day before the night Hurricane Ivan hit Grand Cayman, which was about 15 hours before we had a cat 5 on top of us, I didn't take my camera to the sea at that time !

So enjoy and report back to me about which ones you like the most .. and also if you want to what you dislike about them and why.

cheers,

Giles

I like three (3) it has nice symetries and I like the color and is more dramatic than 4.

1 and 2 are busier in the foreground in a way that takes away from the main waves ... a crop of 2 past the rumble surf focusing on the bigger wave would be cool, too.

I think I'd try to put 1 & 2 together on the wall. Don't think I'd hang them in the bedroom though. That really foreboding purple sky and scary water color would give me nightmares.

Steve

I'm deciding a really close race between 2 & 3. In 1 & 4, the action has already happened and the moment is over.

I love the colors in 3. Aqua water and purple sky. Nice symmetry.

In #2, I agree with Jeremy that it might be better as a tighter crop without so much foam in the foreground. But, it evokes more feeing from me than any of the others and...it makes me want to go surfing! It puts me in the scene, maybe even in the tube of the wave.

OK, now I'm just starting to sound stupid. #2 for me!

#Three for me - others are kind of dark and broody - like three.

Paul C

#3 works best for me

Thanks Guys ...

... very usefull and conveniant that you are all saying #3 .. with #4 close second.

Steve and anyone else .. Do you like 1 & 2 for the same reasons I do ?

I think they would be better pano prints .. The way things are right now .. 3 is getting printed .. and maybe 4 just to see .. and if i don't like them then 1 & 2 will be ordered shortly after.

i like number 1 by far

... it is very of of the moment

Thanks Guys ...

Steve and anyone else .. Do you like 1 & 2 for the same reasons I do ?

I think they would be better pano prints ..

They would look great as panos, but I'm not sure I would crop out the foreground. I like the depth. I find prints look different to me at different sizes. Sometimes an image looks much better to me printed large than the screen will show. I have a feeling these would if you can get the detail in the foreground. Have fun!

Steve

Sometimes an image looks much better to me printed large than the screen will show.

That's very true. When selecting stuff for big prints, I try to view them on my 52" TV to get a better sense of what they'll look like printed big.

Giles - for me it is number 2 hands down. They're all nice - but 3 & 4 to me are white water shots that aren't as unique. The clean breaking barrel, with the spray in 2 is the strongest feeling for me - and the most difficult to capture of the four. Curious how the detail in the white water wash foreground in 2 would print, however?

I'd have to also go with 1 or 2 with 1 because of the wave shape.

Do let us know what you finally decide on for the long term there Giles.

Paul C

#3, followed by #1 I think are the most interesting compositions.

At some point it's like picking between your kids.

Steve

My wife and I would have divorced years ago if it wasn't for the kids.

Neither of us wanted to keep them.

(Number 3 for me, Giles)

R

ok so seems number 4 is def out .. but 1 2 3 are all being liked ... i think i will get all 4 printed .. if i like all four i wil frame them all if not .. the bin it will be !

Giles,

3 has the "power of the ocean" for me.

Great Photos.

My favourite wave by far is 2 , if you could crop some of the bottom of the frame it would be great. OUt of interest, which one did you get printed?

Tristan